How I Turned The Corner
Many founders and entrepreneurs start their business because they have an itch to solve a problem but they reach a point along the way where they realize they can’t do it on their own. They have to hire and now they’re a manager. Now they are truly leading and this is where most businesses fail unless they turn the corner. Every leader goes through a place where they hit this humbling moment. Join us on How I Turned The Corner and hear stories from seasoned founders who experience this. For over a decade, Kendra's career has been all about...
Scaling a Mission-Driven Startup Without Losing Culture - with Caleb Polley of Cubby Beds
Caleb Polley, founder of Cubby Beds, joins the show to share how he built a mission-driven medical technology company helping children with complex disabilities sleep safely.
Starting with prototypes in a garage, Caleb scaled Cubby into a fast-growing company serving families across the country. In this episode, he explains why intentional hiring and structured onboarding became critical to building a strong culture and scaling the organization.
We explore:
Why hiring should be treated as a core business processHow mission-driven companies attract great talentDesigning roles and competencies before posting a jobThe p...Balancing Teams in Uncertain Times - with Theo Edmonds
In this live episode from the Rocky Mountain Total Rewards Conference, Kendra Prospero speaks with culture futurist Theo Edmonds about the future of innovation—and what’s really holding organizations back.
Theo argues that creativity isn’t soft. It’s measurable. And it’s one of the most powerful performance drivers in today’s AI-driven economy.
They discuss:
If you’...
The Real Cost of Disengagement at Work with Dr. Michelle Corman
In this episode of How I Turned the Corner, host Kendra Prospero sits down with Dr. Michelle Corman, employee research leader at Mercer, to explore the powerful connection between employee experience and business performance. Recorded live at the Rocky Mountain Total Rewards Conference, this conversation breaks down how data can be used to prove what many leaders intuitively know: when people feel valued, organizations perform better.
Michelle shares how organizations can use workforce data to reduce turnover, increase productivity, strengthen leadership teams, and build cultures where employees become brand ambassadors. From the hidden cost of disengagement to...
Freedom Currency & the Future of Compensation with Dr. Scott Cawood
In this episode of How I Turned the Corner, Kendra Prospero interviews Scott Cawood, CEO of WorldatWork, live from the Rocky Mountain Total Rewards Conference. They unpack why the old "butts in seats" model is dead, how flexibility and trust define modern productivity, and what organizations can do to create meaningful, outcome-based compensation. If you're ready to rethink work and total rewards, this episode is your roadmap.
Listen for key takeaways and themes:
Housing Hope, Hearing People: Leading with Empathy at Habitat for Humanity with Dana Griffin
How did listening transform leadership at Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver?
In this episode of How I Turned the Corner, Kendra Prospero sits down with Dana Griffin, Chief People and Culture Officer at Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver.
Dana shares how she and CEO Jaime Gomez built a robust feedback infrastructure that transformed employee engagement, strengthened organizational culture, and even improved financial outcomes. From pulse surveys to anonymous idea boxes to division-level town halls — this is a masterclass in authentic, actionable leadership.
Listen for Key Tak...
Leading at 35,000 Feet: Building Team Culture Mid-Flight with Steve Schuller of Frontier Airlines
How does Frontier Airlines build a strong team when crews change daily?
In this episode, Frontier Airlines HR VP Steve Schuller joins host Kendra Prospoer to share how Frontier successfully builds a strong, self-managed team culture in a high-turnover, environment where flight crews often meet for the first time just moments before a flight.
Listen for key takeaways:
Self-Directed Teams Are Possible — With the Right PeopleDefine and Use a North StarHire for Service First, Train the RestFeedback Isn't Optional — It's OperationalSyste...How Pvolve Is Turning Passion Into Purpose and Profit - With Julie Cartwright
Julie Cartwright, President of Pvolve joins How I Turned the Corner to share how her team built a mission-based, science-backed fitness brand that empowers women as entrepreneurs and community leaders. From Jennifer Aniston’s secret workouts to building culture across franchises, Julie shows what it really takes to lead with purpose.
Key Themes
Hire for belief and alignment, not just skills. Passion for the mission is contagious.
Empower local leaders to express the brand authentically. Consistency doesn’t mean uniformity.
Culture drive...
Why the Old Playbook for Change Management No Longer Works — and What to Do Instead with Tim Rhode
In this episode, leadership and change expert Tim Rhode joins us to explore why all progress requires change—and why so many leaders still struggle to lead it effectively. Drawing on decades of experience helping organizations navigate transformation, Tim shares practical insights on how to overcome resistance, communicate with clarity, and build a culture that embraces growth. He breaks down his simple, actionable “Changing Lanes” framework for guiding teams through change with confidence and connection. Whether you’re a manager facing organizational shifts or a leader rethinking your approach, this conversation will inspire you to see change not as a...
Lead with Purpose! How Authenticity Boosts Collaboration & Performance - An Interview with Linnita Hosten
Effective communication is essential for leaders, but balancing authority with approachability can be challenging. Many leaders inadvertently hinder open communication, leading to disengaged teams and low morale. In this episode, we chat with author, keynote speaker, and speaking coach, Linnita Hosten on how she assists leaders in overcoming these challenges by emphasizing authenticity, self-awareness, and the power of voice, fostering better collaboration and productivity.
Key Takeaways on Understanding Power in Leadership:
• There are two types of power for leaders: earned authority and established influence.
• Earned authority comes from building relationships and trust, making it easier to n...
The 4 Day Work Week Revolution - An Interview with Johnny Levy
In this episode, Johnny Levy, CEO of DataJoe, talks about the realistic benefits of a 4 day work week and how leaders can actually bring more joy to their employees.
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Fostering an Adaptable Business Community - an Interview wih Mark Peters
Building an adaptable business community is key to thriving amidst change and uncertainty, allowing your team to respond agilely to challenges like technological shifts and evolving consumer needs. Fostering adaptability empowers your team to seize opportunities and stay ahead of the competition, while a culture of continuous learning and growth enhances resilience and engagement. Embracing adaptability not only helps navigate change but also inspires innovation and long-term success. In this episode, Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, shares insights on understanding employees’ struggles, providing meaningful support, and creating positive work environments that encourage enjoyment and engagement in all ro...
FAMLI Law - Colorado HR Legal Updates
Understanding the new Famli Law is crucial for you as a Colorado business owner because it impacts employee rights, workplace policies, and overall business operations. By staying informed, you ensure compliance, avoid legal pitfalls, and foster a supportive work environment. Demonstrating a commitment to employee welfare enhances your company’s reputation, attracts top talent, and improves retention. Join us in this episode as Kendra and John discuss what Colorado businesses are experiencing and how Turning the Corner is helping them face these new challenges.
Watch this video and get the latest developments in human resources management....
A Safe Place to Grow - An Interview with Jonathan Bennett
Creating a safe workplace is crucial for leaders focused on fostering organizational growth, as it promotes open communication and innovation among employees. This environment enhances trust and cohesion, leading to increased engagement and productivity while reducing turnover. Jonathan Bennett, an advisor and executive coach, emphasizes the importance of balancing psychological safety with accountability, ensuring that all employees align with the organization’s values. By establishing clear processes and structures, leaders can support self-organizing teams that drive sustainable success.
Watch this video and get the latest developments in human resources management.
...
Breathing Life Into a Generational Business - An Interview with Bill Duerr
Bill Duerr shares his journey of taking over his father's company, influenced by his experiences as a lacrosse coach and player. As President of Hatteras, he leverages his Digital Media degree from Marist College to bring innovation to their printing heritage. Bill focuses on enhancing competitiveness, ensuring employee satisfaction, and using social media to attract stakeholders. He addresses challenges in team alignment and management, emphasizing the complexities of leadership in a family business.
Watch this video and get the latest developments in human resources management.
//WHEN YOU’RE...
Colorado Employment Law Updates - Summer 2024
Keeping up with HR laws is a game-changer for business leaders. It helps dodge legal headaches and expensive fines and keeps your workplace fair and busy with happy employees. Plus, a company that plays by the rules attracts top talent and great business deals. In a nutshell, staying informed on HR laws keeps your business ahead of the curve and thriving.
In this episode, Kendra and John go over the following key Colorado employment law updates:
How You Can Make Work Matter - An Interview With Nancy McGaw
When employees love what they do, magic happens, leading to lower turnover and a cohesive team ready to tackle challenges. Nancy McGaw launched Aspen’s First Movers Fellowship Program in 2009 to support business innovators, and her book "Making Work Matter" shares their stories and offers guidance for creating meaningful work. In this episode, Nancy teaches how to find opportunities within a company for innovation, the importance of allies, and the role of management in empowering employees. Recognizing and appreciating employees' contributions fosters a positive work culture and enhances engagement.
Here is an excerpt fr...
Here’s a Cookie - How Sephora’s Employee Recognition Efforts Fell Short After Record Sales
Authentic employee recognition is what keeps a positive company culture alive. It's not just about saying "good job" but really meaning it, showing that you see and appreciate their hard work. This kind of recognition builds trust, bonds teams tighter, and keeps folks motivated to bring their A-game. Plus, it's a win-win – happier employees stick around longer and keep crushing it, which spells success for the whole company
That’s why it’s shocking and disheartening when leaders get it wrong. Case in point: Sephora North America hit $10 billion in sales recently and sent out st...
How to Make Your Company Core Values Come to Life- An Interview with Cody Sutton
Understanding and staying true to your core values is crucial for a successful company. These values shape your company's culture, which is vital for attracting and retaining employees, boosting productivity, and simplifying the hiring process.
To really make your company's core values come to life, you have to ingrain them into everything you do. Get your team excited about living those values every day. Talk about them, shout them out when someone nails it, and lead by showing how it's done. That's how you turn values from words on paper into a living, breathing p...
How to Respond to a Write-Up at Work
Responding to a write-up at work isn't just about checking a box—it's about showing you've got what it takes to take constructive criticism and come back stronger. First off, owning up to any slip-ups and showing you're willing to make things right speaks volumes about your character. It shows you're not one to dodge responsibility but rather someone who's ready to learn and grow from the experience. Plus, it's a chance to clear the air and make sure everyone's on the same page, which can help keep the office a place of positive culture.
I...
Building a Global Network of Happy Employees - An Interview with Eran Mizrahi
For business leaders, it's important to keep an eye on productivity and happiness. Think of productivity as the engine of your business—it's what keeps things moving forward and the doors open. But, you can't forget about happiness. It's like the oil that keeps that engine running smooth. Happy workers mean less drama, more awesome ideas, and folks actually wanting to stick around. Plus, they're less likely to call in sick or bail on you when the going gets tough. When you get the balance right, everyone's winning—you're hitting those targets, and your team is wired for succ...
“I Respectfully Disagree” - An Interview with Author Justin Jones-Fosu
In these times of extreme polarization, leaders must prioritize the development of the skill of engaging in difficult conversations and mastering the art of respectful disagreement. There is a pivotal role these abilities play in fostering effective communication, nurturing healthy relationships, and driving organizational growth. Difficult conversations, whether addressing employee performance issues or navigating conflicting viewpoints among advisors, are inevitable in any leadership role and demand a willingness to navigate them constructively. By honing the ability to respectfully disagree, leaders create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, leading to richer discussions, enhanced problem-solving, and ultimately, more informed...
Collaborative Leadership - an Interview with Christina Russell
Can you imagine opening 115 locations, going through an acquisition of another 70, and launching an e-commerce brand during Covid? Some might say that, that takes guts. But my guest on this episode would say, it just takes the right team.
Meet Christina Russell, CEO and founder of Radiance Holdings, which manages beauty and wellness brands like Woodhouse Spas and Sola Salons. With a franchising background, she values teamwork and acknowledges that while strategy is important, success is driven by people. Christina prioritizes joy, believing a positive culture is key to business success. She listens to...
Overcoming the Impossible - an Interview with Lena Wilson
What would you do if you were leading a team facing a multi-million dollar financial deficit?
In this episode, meet Lena Wilson, the CEO of Vista del Mar and Family Services in Los Angeles. Lena moved to California from Michigan to take over the CEO position in 2019. She was hired in order to provide a pathway toward sustainability to an organization that was losing an average of $3.2 million annually.
In March of 2020, the pandemic hit. Lena began her leadership journey by leading VDM with a staff of...
Cultivating Culture in Difficult Conditions - an Interview with Meg Clark
Imagine that you live, dine, and work together with the same people for 70 days or more straight with little to no time off. This would be a deeply connecting experience if you have people around who inspire you, make you feel safe, and are great teammates. Our guest in this episode is Meg Clark, who is the owner and executive director of Camp Waldemar, an organization that's been around for over five generations. Waldemar is recognized as one of America's finest girls camps and is one of the oldest continuously running camping operations in the state of Texas. She's...
Championing Innovative HR - An Interview With John Bartley
Most people think the HR Department is “The Department of NO.” HR professionals get a bad reputation for being the people who only look out for the company and try to avoid legal or compliance issues.
But, what if HR could be the center of innovation in a company? What if HR professionals could be creative, innovative, and valued for being that way?
In this episode, you will meet VP of People and HR Services at Turning The Corner, John Bartley. John is a former musician turn...
How to Create Psychological Safety and Trust Within Teams Fast - An Interview with Leslie Jones
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, worrying about something that's happening in your business? I think we could all agree that the worry is eased when you know you have the right team. But how do you get the right team, and then how do you keep them? In this episode, you will meet Leslie Jones and get introduced to a tool that almost guarantees, when you do it, a stickier culture.
Leslie Jones is the Founder and CEO of SpiralMethod. She has cracked the c...
From Intern to Long-Term Talent - an Interview with Meghan Hovee
At Turning The Corner, we hear from so many leaders that they can't find good people to fill their jobs, whether it's from turnover or growth. One of the things we do is recruiting and as a recruiter in certain fields, we do find that it is hard to find good people. But what if we turn the tables and get a little bit creative and recruit differently? Today's guest, Meghan Hoovy, has done just that!
Meghan Hovee is the CEO and Founder of Hovee and Co., a CPA firm specializing in fractional CFO...
Teaching People To Have a Job
I know you were a pain in the butt to manage when you were 22. We all were. I have a somewhat controversial take on young people entering the workplace. It’s time to stop complaining about the younger generation and get real about our responsibilities as leaders. We have to teach people how to have a job, just like we were. At one time in our lives, we were the new people in the workplace. We were the ones who needed to be taught how to have a job and be productive members of an organization.
...
Pioneering Physical and Emotional Safety In The Workplace - an Interview with Yasmine Mustafa
Anyone who starts a company with an idea is going to have a different journey than someone who becomes a CEO through a recruiting effort or because they grew up inside the organization and they got promoted into the role. Our guest today had an amazing idea and turned it into an incredible company.
Yasmine Mustafa, the CEO and co-founder of ROAR, has a notable background that has significantly influenced her work. As a former refugee, Yasmine experienced precarious working conditions, which ignited her drive to establish ROAR, a company dedicated to leveraging technology f...
Fair Pay, Happy Team: Crafting Effective Compensation Plans
Compensation plans are like the rulebook for how businesses distribute pay to their employees. Compensation plans cover everything from your basic salary to bonuses, perks, and benefits that make a job more than just a paycheck. Think of them as the playbook for keeping everyone happy and paid fairly. They're not just about following the law and avoiding messy legal battles over pay; they're also about showing employees they're valued and keeping them motivated to do their best work. When folks feel like they're getting a fair shake, they're more likely to stick around, give their all, and...
Retaining Your Team Through the Generations - an Interview with Karen Norheim
Too many leaders just accept high turnover as a normal part of doing business. At Turning the Corner, we will argue until we’re exhausted that this is unacceptable. All turnover is expensive, and we need to make it as low as possible as owners and as business leaders. Our guest on this episode has every reason to have a high turnover rate, as she's in a tough industry. Yet she maintains a less than 5% employee turnover and has even grown her staff by 25% over the last year.
Karen Norheim is the President and CEO of Am...
From Intern to Long-Term Talent - an Interview with Meghan Hovee
At Turning The Corner, we hear from so many leaders that they can't find good people to fill their jobs, whether it's from turnover or growth. One of the things we do is recruiting and as a recruiter in certain fields, we do find that it is hard to find good people. But what if we turn the tables and get a little bit creative and recruit differently? Today's guest, Meghan Hoovy, has done just that!
Meghan Hovee is the CEO and Founder of Hoovey and Co., a CPA firm specializing in fractional CFO...
Onboarding for Long-Term Success
If your company is growing and you’re recruiting new talent, it is imperative that you have a solid new hire onboarding strategy. Effective onboarding of new employees is crucial for the long-term success of your company. A well-structured onboarding process sets the tone for a positive work environment and fosters a sense of belonging. When new hires feel welcomed and supported from the beginning, they are more likely to integrate seamlessly into the company culture. This integration is essential for building a cohesive team that collaborates efficiently and shares common values and goals.
Leading Through Chaos - An Interview with Yi Yang
Leading a company and trying to build an amazing culture in the midst of challenges? It can often seem like an impossible task. And guess what advice some of us get when things get tough? "Just crank up the productivity, forget about how your team's doing." Seriously? Turns out, that kind of one-track thinking just leads to disengaged and burnt-out folks on your team. And trust me, that's a recipe for disaster – less work getting done and people jumping ship left and right.
But here's the real deal: we've got to see beyond this tu...
Why Employees Are Unionizing
You may have noticed in the media lately that there is a lot of unionization, as well as threats to unionize and even regulation that is being forced upon businesses. Starbucks and Amazon are two companies in the headlines recently for employee unionization in response to what they perceive as unfair working conditions.
In 2022, more than 16 million workers in the United States were represented by a union—an increase of 200,000 from 2021 (according to the Economic Policy Institute)
Why is this massive increase happening? Well, it really co...
Improving Performance Through Positive Culture - an Interview with Anthony Lambatos
As a Founder or CEO, you are likely familiar with the challenges of struggling with team performance and company culture. You're not alone! It is often suggested that implementing more rules and policies will improve team performance, but did you know this approach can actually lead to disengagement and a lack of motivation among team members?
Micromanaging and enforcing strict rules can create a negative work environment and decrease productivity. Instead, it is important to recognize the significance of company culture and learn effective strategies to cultivate a strong and positive work environment.
In this episode...
Return to Work - How To Create The Flexibility Great Employees Want
Return to Work is a hot topic right now, and it's shaking things up big time in the work world! If you're demanding that your employees return back to the office, and you’re not giving your employees some wiggle room and flexibility, you might notice some grumbling and a lack of excitement from your team. It could also get tougher to find and keep awesome people, which isn't great for your company's success.
There are numerous ways to create an environment where you are productive and collaborative AND flexible. (and yo...
Steering Your Team Towards Success an Interview with Richard Bryan
Faced with insurmountable odds, Richard Bryan’s journey offers a surprising twist that transformed a struggling business into a thriving success story. His resilience and strategic vision recovering from a $3.5 million loss, provide profound insights for business leaders navigating similar trials. Discover the unexpected turn of events that led to a remarkable turnaround, and discover the key strategies for overcoming organizational challenges in your own business. Are you ready to learn how humility, transparency, and strategic vision can pave the way for transformative change?
In this episode, you will:
Hear how Richard unlocked the importance of va...
Succession Planning - with Kendra Prospero
Have you heard the myths about succession planning?
Myth 1: Succession planning is only for large organizations.
Myth 2: Succession planning can be done at the last minute.
Myth 3: Succession planning is just about replacing a leader. Join me to uncover the truth behind these myths and learn the key to successful succession planning for long-term organizational success.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Unlock the secrets to successful succession planning and ensure organizational stability.Discover effective str...Propelling People to Succeed - An Interview with Levi Torres
Levi Torres, the president of High Five Plumbing, is a true innovator in the trades. Faced with the prevalent challenge of finding skilled workers, Levi decided to take a different approach and develop an apprenticeship program that trains individuals to become the plumbers he needs. High Five Plumbing's remarkable growth and recognition as a fastest-growing company can be attributed to Levi's vision and dedication to building a skilled workforce. With his apprentice program, Levi has created a clear learning path for aspiring plumbers, allowing them to start from scratch and become proficient in just 24 months. By prioritizing team...
